In contemporary times, the use of yoga mats has spread like wildfire, especially if you  yoga at home. If your floor is hardwood, getting a yoga mat for your hardwood floors will make your routine more comfortable.

If you intend to do yoga at home, covering your hardwood floors is a good start. Follow through this article as we answer numerous questions that might cross your mind regarding getting and using the best mat for your floor.

How to protect your hardwood floor when doing Yoga

Hardwood floors should be protected when doing yoga either while using a yoga mat or on that bare hard surface.

Here’s how to protect your hardwood floor:

1. Invest in a good yoga mat:

The overall advice on protecting your hardwood floor is by purchasing a yoga mat. The advantages of investing in a good yoga mat is extremely important in maintaining your floor .

2. Consider the size of the yoga mat:

Investing in a large size yoga mat will give you balance and space to practice all forms of poses without fear of the mat flipping or pulling up.

3. Ensure to clean the area after each practice:

Cleaning your floor dry before and after use will keep it safe. This will prevent rust, bad smell coming from that spot and microbial activities. When you exercise, your sweat drops to the ground, exposing you to bacteria. Also try to use the best cleaning agents. Avoid vinegar, alkaline abrasive for cleaning your hardwood floor.

Benefits of yoga mats for hardwood floors

Yoga mats are ideal sturdy surfaces that keep you grounded and balanced while holding certain poses on your hardwood floor. There are lots of benefits from using yoga mats on hardwood floors. They include; 

1. Reduces noise:

Yoga Mats reduces the noise that arises from doing yoga exercises. The change of position for each pose during practice produces noise that gives the neighbours a clue of your routine. Staying quiet with your practice is pride.

2. Protects you from hard hits:

Hard hits are unavoidable while doing yoga on hardwood floors. You want to protect your knees from injury.

3. Protects your floor from damage: 

It’s no news that yoga mats protect your hardwood floors from damage. It helps you keep a great maintenance routine.

The Yogi’s guide to finding the perfect mat for your hardwood floor 

Finding the perfect mat for your hardwood floors can be frustrating and tiring. Here’s a simple guide to finding one. 

Consider the thickness, material type, colour and of course cost. Remember you can only make do with what you have, the cost should be looked into. There are lots of quality and affordable yoga mats for your hardwood floors. 

While checking the cost please, go for quality. There are mats with good reviews and quality online, in this article we outlined just a few of quality mats that will help you enhance your practice.

Tips & tricks to selecting the right hardwood floor mat for yoga

Choosing the right yoga mat for your yoga practice need not be difficult. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the right choice:

1. Consider the thickness of the yoga mat:

This point can’t be overemphasized as your priority should be protecting yourself from hurt.

2.  Consider the materials used in the construction of the mat:

The material will help you during training for effectiveness. Materials that flips up are no good.

3. Consider the level of cushioning provided:

An extra foam is not a bad idea for your yoga mat. Although you don’t need something grippy, then a pad will give adequate cushioning.

4. Look for non-slip surfaces:

There are mats with non-slip surfaces, besides the aim of using a mat on a hardwood floor is to escape the disaster slipperiness can bring. You don’t want to slide while practicing.

5.  Consider the cost of the yoga mat:

Always count your cost before pre ordering for yoga mats or any item of choice. This is very important as you don’t want to invest all your savings on purchase. This also means you go for quality while considering cost.

6. Choose a mat designed for hardwood floors:

There are specific mats strictly for hardwood floors which you might want to go for.

7.  Look for eco-friendly, durable materials:

The weather condition should influence your choice of mat. There are lots of materials that provide durability.

8. Ensure an adequate size for your needs:

You don’t want a mat that won’t afford you enough space for practice. Yoga involves being flexible and mobile while running around different Poses.

9.  Consider the length and width of the yoga mat: 

The width should be prioritised. Although this depends on the individual’s body size. A mat for a chubby person might be too much for a slimmer person.

10. Ensure the yoga mat will not move when in use:

A thinner yoga mat will definitely find its way around while in use. Therefore going for one with great properties will help.

The ideal Yoga mat materials for hardwood floors

The ideal material for hardwood floors you want to consider while buying a yoga mat are given below;

1. Thick material: Thickness is paramount to provide cushioning for hardwood floors. Since hardwood floors are hard it’s best to cover them with thicker mats, thicker than an average 0.125-inch thick yoga mat.
2. Natural rubber: This is ideal for hardwood floors as it shuns away bad  during and after practice.
3. Non-latex materials: materials such as phthalates, and silicones aren’t good for hardwood as it slips around.
4. Vinyl exterior with a foam interior: Mats with vinyl Exterior are perfect for hardwood. Once the interior is covered with foam this protects you from hurting your knees and joints.

The top 4 Yoga mats for hardwood floors

There are too many rated yoga mats with non slippery material that won’t slip around during practice. This rating is based on large size, overall best quality and material used.

1. Gorilla Premium Large Exercise Mat:

This is one of those mats with a large size for your hardwood floors. It comes with beautiful colours you might want to pick from. The mat doesn’t slip at all, even while doing difficult exercises. It’s not overly thick and is cushioned enough. 

2. MICRODRY Deluxe Fitness Exercise Mat with High Impact Foam & Multi-layered Skid Resistant Surfaces:

This yoga mat is multiple functional as it can be use for various exercises. It has an amazing reviews rating 4.5 out of 5 and it is quite soft with high absorbency. It comes in blue, gray, pink and teal colour so you have the chance of picking your favourite colour. It’s way more cushioned than a standard yoga mat as you can do exercises that require you to be on your hands or elbows and knees without pain.

3. Hemingweigh 1-inch Thick, Non-slip Yoga Mat:

Hemingweigh is known for its unique thickness property. Its cost price is $54. This mat makes workout comfortable and convenient with it’s thick and well cushioned property. If you like more cushion in your exercise mat, this is definitely for you as this mat has one inch of firm cushion.

4. Amazon Basic ½-Inch Extra Thick Yoga Mat:

This wonderfully made mat has over 5 colours to choose from – red, blue, gray, pink, purple and black colours. It is one of the most comfortable mats you’ll find with a good thickness size and longer length. It can lie flat right after you unroll it and it is very good value for the money. 

 Conclusion

If you do yoga routinely, it’s advisable you go for a mat with proper thickness so as to protect your knees from injury. Hardwood Floors pose a threat to your functionality and reduce your ability to attain perfection.